What Is The Best Fish Tank For Kids: Get One For Your Little Champs From 10 Picks

My 3-year-old son was fascinated by my fish tank. When he sees me taking care of the fish or cleaning the tank, he always attempts to provide a hand. 

As a father, I know that kids always look for something new to try. They want the freedom and independence of making decisions independently without involving us adults in every little decision they make! So, my wife and I decided to give him an aquarium for his own.

Fish tanks can provide hours of enjoyment for both kids and adults alike. Not to mention, they are educational as well. So, if you are a parent and are looking for ways to bond with your child, getting them a fish tank may be the perfect solution.

However, I was unsure if I had made the proper choice. We, of course, will assist my boy in every way we can. So, before I gave it to him, I began researching aquariums for children on the internet. What are the most excellent fish tanks for kids, the right age to start an aquarium, which species is best for kids, and more? 

Thus I gathered some knowledge on this matter!

This article will present the best fish tank for kids with a review and buying guide. So, whether you are a first-time aquarium buyer or just looking for a new fish tank for your kid, read on!

What Is The Right Age To Get Your Kid A Fish Tank

The above question is relative, with no definitive answer. I’ve had fish tanks since before the birth of our first child. Aquariums are among our son’s favorite places to visit. It’s one of his favorite pastimes to watch it converse with the fish. 

You really need to consider if you or your children will be responsible for the fish and tank. None is too young to have a pet, at least not if they are just looking at them and playing with them. So there is nothing to be concerned about the child’s age if they are playing, viewing the fish, and participating in feeding or cleaning activities with you nearby.

But when it comes to caring for a live pet by your children themselves, things are different and need serious consideration.

If you are willing to care for the fish and clean the aquarium on behalf of your kids, then a decent age range is probably 4 to 6 because your children will undoubtedly enjoy it.

My fish tank and child have never been a problem for me. As a result, I have no doubt it will be an issue for you. 

Wait till they’re 8-10 years old before expecting them to take care of everything independently. Make sure the aquarium stands are sturdy enough if your child is active. To put it another way, don’t expect your four-year-old to clean out a fish tank.

How To Choose A Fish Tank For Kids 

When you’re thinking about buying a fish tank for your kids, the size must fit your needs. Because this is meant for children, I recommend starting with a smaller one first. So, most of the products I recommend are no larger than 4 gallons. 

But you may be surprised to know that a larger tank is easier to maintain. So if you have a tank the size of 10-50 gallons or more, rookie mistakes won’t be as detrimental as they are in a smaller tank. However, in contrast to larger tanks, the care and cleaning required for smaller ones are more demanding.

Still, I’ll go with this type of small tank because you want something for a child. But then, you’ll know if you need a bigger tank after some time and get used to it. 

Besides the size, the following two points you can consider.

Glass Vs. Acrylic Tank

Both acrylic and glass aquariums have their benefits. 

Acrylic fish tanks are often considered the more expensive option compared with glass. Though the acrylic tank is easily scratched, it will not break under normal conditions. An acrylic tank’s entire bottom requires support.

Glass tanks are less expensive and less likely to be scratched. But they are weighty and break easily. However, glass tanks can withstand quite well on a stand with edges.

To be honest, I prefer any acrylic fish tank kit for children.

Freshwater Vs. Saltwater Aquarium

Most people start with a freshwater aquarium because it’s easier to keep and less expensive. Also, aquarists like that there are many different types of freshwater fish to choose from.

However, if the kids are old enough and follow a few simple rules, you don’t have to go right to the freshwater. 

On the other hand, a saltwater tank isn’t a bad idea because kids are interested in marine fish, and I don’t see why not! Easy as pie; It doesn’t get any more simple than this!

You can start with a simple saltwater aquarium and some hardy saltwater fish. Right, your kids love Nemo. 

But if you don’t have any fishkeeping experience, I won’t suggest a marine tank for your kid!

Best Fish Tank for Kids: Review

You may be wondering what the best fish tank for kids is. Fortunately, I’ve got you covered!

1. Penn-Plax Rite-Bite Educational Tank

The Rite-Bite Educational Fish Tank is the perfect way to teach your children about responsibility and caring for pets. It’s also a great way to keep them entertained!

They will love watching their pet swim around in this beautiful tank, and they can even learn more about how it works by reading the included instruction manual. This educational toy will help your child grow into a responsible adult with a love of nature.

Looking for a way to make aquarium keeping easier for both you and your child? Look no further than the Penn-Plax Rite-Bite Educational Tank. This tank has everything you need to get started, including PRO-V CRYSTAL GRAVEL to keep the water clean and a bottom drainage system for easy water changes.

With the Rite-Bite Educational Fish Tank, you don’t need to worry about feeding your fish every day because there are two separate compartments on top of the tank where you can put food pellets so that one side gets fed at night while another side gets fed during the day.

You just set it once and then forget about it until next week when you need to refill both containers again! That means no more worrying if your kids remembered to feed their pet today or not – which makes everyone happy!

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2. Aqueon Princess Castle Aquarium

Do you want to feel like a fairy-tale princess?

Now you can start with the Aqueon Princess Castle Aquarium Kit. This aquarium is perfect for first-time fish keepers and children. It’s easy to set up and even comes with gravel, a small plant, and samples of food and conditioner.

It’s a fun, bright aquarium that includes a half-gallon clear acrylic vessel and water conditioner that instantly conditions tap water by neutralizing harmful chloramines, ammonia, and heavy metals.

The pink lid is shaped like a castle, complete with purple steeples and a fish feeding hole. It’s perfect for a single betta or small tropical fish. So this aquarium is sure to add some magic to your home. Customize your ideal princess castle today with the Aqueon Princess Castle Aquarium Kit.

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3. Fluval SPEC Freshwater Aquarium Kit

The Fluval Spec is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to add a touch of modern style and design to their home. It’s packed with features that make fish keeping more effortless, entertaining, and productive.

The Fluval SPEC Freshwater Aquarium Kit includes everything you need to start a freshwater aquarium. The 2.6-gallon glass tank features etched designs that create an appealing interior design, while the aluminum trim gives it a stylish look and feel.

Look no further than the Fluval SPEC nano aquarium kit if you want something sleek and stylish in your kid’s living room! This popular series now features an impressively high output which generates 20% brighter lighting performance for noticeably bolder fish colors and plant growth!

Your kids will love it; this fish tank is effortless to maintain.

Not only does it look great, but it performs even better with its powerful 3-stage filtration system featuring oversized mechanical, chemical and biological media for unparalleled water clarity!

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4. Tetra LED Cube Shaped Aquarium

The Tetra Cube Aquarium Kit is the perfect starter aquarium for kitchens, dormitories, classrooms, and your kid’s living room. The 3-gallon kit fits almost anywhere!

The sleek and seamless tank is as transparent as glass and provides a unique and exciting panoramic view of your children’s unique underwater habitat.

The kit is equipped with a Tetra 3i filter to keep your tank clean and provide a perfect environment for your fish. The tank also features an LED light and a convenient feeding hole. You can count on the Tetra Aquarium Kits to be safe and reliable for years of enjoyment.

You’ll love how easy it is to set up this beautiful cube-shaped aquarium in just minutes!

It comes complete with everything you need, including a water conditioner, food sample packets, plant fertilizer tablets (for live plants), and gravel substrate. In addition, it includes a tetra-safe start (a water conditioner that helps protect fish from ammonia burn), netting cover (to prevent jumping out) & much more!

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5. Tetra ColorFusion Starter Aquarium Kit

Looking for a starter aquarium kit with a 180-degree panoramic viewing angle? Look no further than the Tetra ColorFusion Starter aquarium kit.

This half-moon-shaped tank comes with everything you need to start, including an air pump-driven Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter to keep your tank clean and healthy. The clear canopy has a hole for easy feeding, and the bubbling disc automatically cycles through a rainbow of LED light colors.

The Tetra ColorFusion Starter Aquarium Kit is the perfect starter kit for anyone who wants to start their own aquarium, for yourself or for your kids. It’s easy to set up and maintain comes with an LED light that makes your fish look beautiful. You won’t find another tank like it on the market today!

With this kit, you can easily feed your fish by simply opening the top of the tank and dropping in food pellets directly into the water. This way, there are no worries about overfeeding or underfeeding your fish, leading to health problems down the road.

It comes with a filter cartridge, so all waste is caught before it ever gets back into your tank! And the Tetra ColorFusion Starter Aquarium Kit is not only functional but also looks great too! We included bright LED lights that will make bubbles turn colors from reds to blues. So whether you want red bubbles or blue bubbles – either way, they’ll be beautiful because of amazing LEDs!

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6. Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit 

Looking for a stylish and convenient aquarium kit for your kids? Look no further than the Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit.

This hexagon-shaped aquarium kit comes complete with an air pump-driven Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter to keep your tank clean and a colorful bubbling disc that cycles through a rainbow of LED light colors.

Tetra ColorFusion Starter aquarium kit is perfect for Bettas and small tropical fish. However, you won’t have to worry about your Betta or tropical fish getting bored ever again – this aquarium kit has a built-in LED bubbling disk that creates an excellent underwater effect.

The hexagon shape is perfect for showing off your fishy friends to all of your guests. Your children will definitely love it.

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7. Koller Products BettaView Aquarium

If you’re new to fish keeping and want to get your feet wet, the Koller 1.5-Gallon Aquarium Kit is the best way to start. You can keep your fish happy and healthy with this complete aquarium kit. It comes with everything you need to keep them healthy and happy.

The Koller 1.5-Gallon Aquarium Kit comes with a robust and transparent plastic tank with a modern look. It also has an LED light that is very energy-efficient and has a lot of different color options. Indeed, your kids will love it.

The tank itself is made of impact-resistant plastic, which means it won’t leak, unlike glass tanks glued together with silicone. As for possible leaks, this one-piece tank puts them to rest.

It’s so clear that most people think it’s made of glass. But, with its unique shape, this stylish aquarium can be seen from many different places in the room. All you need to do is add fish and plants.

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8. GloFish Aquarium Kit

GloFish(R) fluorescent fish add brilliant color to any home, office, or classroom aquarium. These fun fish have the unique ability to absorb light and then re-emit it, creating the perception that they are glowing – plus, they are suitable for kids.

Your children can enjoy their own GloFish(R) aquarium with this kit! Its easy setup and maintenance make this tank perfect for adults and kids alike.

GloFish Aquarium Kits come with everything you need to get started, including a seamless 1.5-gallon aquarium, Tetra(R) Small Filter, Black Aquarium Background, Aquarium light with 8 Blue LEDs, Low Voltage Power Adapter, Air Pump and Tubing, and Tetra(R) Internal Filter.

The sleek design of the GloFish aquariums will add a touch of style to any room in your home. In addition, the included Tetra(R) Small Filter is powerful enough to keep your tank clean and healthy for months at a time.

You won’t find another product like it on the market today! It’s not just a fantastic product but also an incredible experience you can have every day of your life.

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9. biOrb Flow Aquarium

The biOrb Flow Aquarium is a really easy aquarium to set up and own. Everything you need to start your aquarium is included in the box. It uses the proven biOrb filtration system and has a built-in LED light.

The biOrb Flow is a unique, compact aquarium that has been designed to fit perfectly on your kid’s bookshelf. The built-in LED light creates a natural effect, and the easy feeding access means you can top up your fish’s food without having to remove the lid.

Most aquariums use small box filters and/or smooth gravel, which easily clog with dirt. Like all biOrbs, the biOrb Flow uses special ceramic media to provide biological filtration, with a surface area equivalent to a soccer field’s size!

This means it can handle more waste than any other type of filter available today, so no frequent water changes are required! You won’t find another device like it on the market today. So it’s not just a fantastic product but also an incredible experience you can have every day of your life.

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10. My Fun Fish Kid’s Self Cleaning Betta Aquarium 

Worried about how you’re kids going to keep the fish tank clean? My Fun Fish has the perfect solution – the self-cleaning betta aquarium! Just pour in some water and watch as the gravity system quickly flushes out any dirt or debris.

You’ll never have to worry about cleaning your fish tank again – this self-cleaning betta aquarium does all the work for your children. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about the science of water filtration.

My Fun Fish is a great starter fish tank that’s easy to use and clean. The rocks and fake plants make it look realistic, and the little LED light is perfect for nighttime viewing.

Your kids will learn how to take care of a pet, and they will also learn about the responsibility of cleaning up after them. The self-cleaning process makes it easy for them – all they have to do is push out the waste into the spout and into the cup. It’s an educational experience they can enjoy every day.

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Benefits Of Having Fish Tank For Children

The benefits of owning an aquarium are many. The study found that people who had their homes filled with fish tanks experienced better mental and physical wellness than those without such decorations. Most importantly, they had lower blood pressure levels which can prevent strokes or heart attacks!

Aquariums provide children opportunities for creativity while teaching them about different species through caretaking activities. Having a fish tank can significantly impact children’s health and mental well-being and be a fun and educational experience. 

Participating in aquarium care will teach your child about various fish, plants, and animals.

Fishkeeping is an excellent opportunity to teach children responsibility and ownership while giving themselves peace of mind by providing a distraction from modern devices like cell phones or tablets. That’s pretty great! 

But if they’re too young, you’ll have to assist them in this learning process.

Putting Fish Tank In Baby’s Room

Parents worry about is whether or not to put an aquarium in their baby’s nursery. There will be no issues if the stands are in good shape and you’re taking care of everything.

Setting up a fish tank in the nursery is fun and can also help with sleep patterns. As a matter of fact, children enjoy having them in their rooms. My son loved having his own room with light-colored walls and an aquarium!

On the other hand, a fish tank provides some illumination, which is helpful at night. Your child is not going to be afraid.

Do Aquariums Take A Lot Of Time To Take Care Of?

All of this relies on the size of the aquarium and fish species you have. It’s not going to take a lot of time or effort to set up a kids-friendly tank like the one I discuss in the review section above. But when it comes to keeping hard-to-keep fish in captivity, you’ll have a whole new set of challenges to deal with. 

Keeping a one- or two-gallon fish tank requires little more than an hour a week to change a little of the water, remove some waste, and clean the filter. And feeding twice daily will take no more than 2-5 minutes. 

At least, if you’re worried that your kids will not do their best, you won’t have to deal with a lot of chores.

What Are The Most Important Things You Need To Do With Your Kid’s Aquarium?

The minimal maintenance required for a small aquarium like the one you plan to get your kid is easy and quick. Some tasks need doing every now then, but they’re not too hard, so don’t worry!

Feeding

You need to feed the fish, and prepared pellets and flakes are readily available. You need to provide generic flakes 2 or 3 times per day. They are living creatures, so you want them well-nourished!

Water Changes

Water changes are a crucial part of fishkeeping. They ensure that nitrate levels stay low and the water isn’t clouded with impurities. However, it is not a daunting task with small fish tanks. Approximately one-fourth of the water in the tank should be replaced weekly.

Cleaning

You should clean out your fish tank once per week, including changing or replacing filter cartridges. Then, you can vacuum the gravel to make sure it’s all nice and smooth for them!

What Is The Best Aquarium Fish For Kids

You don’t want to see your kids cry on a dead fish! However, Harder-to-care for species will only lead to an unhappy fishkeeping experience.

So select some hardy fish for your kids; some are listed below:

Guppy

If you have a lot of different colors in a fish tank, kids will be able to get excited about it. Guppies are a great source of color for your fish tank because they are so small. People sometimes call them “Rainbow Fish.” They come from South America, which is also the source of many other very bright fish.

Neon Tetra

This is another brightly colored species that most people will have seen at some point in their lives. As a result, they’re among the most popular fish in the industry. One red and one blue stripe runs horizontally over each fish’s body. These hues glow brightly under aquarium lights, and so they are named ‘neon.’

Molly

Molly fish, a well-known livebearing species, come up next. Their eggs develop inside them, and they are born alive as babies. This is likely the most incredible species to choose if you want to establish a new breeding tank with your children. They mate regularly and often do so in captivity, provided you don’t force them.

Zebra Danio

Zebra Danios are adorably cute little critters. Aquarium caretakers adore them because of their calm, relaxing character. Furthermore, the Zebra Danio is one of the easiest freshwater aquarium fish to manage, making it ideal for novices and kids.

Zebra Danios have a lovely appearance. They feature five blue stripes on their golden or silver bodies from the head to the caudal fin. Their zebra-patterned bodies make them easy to see, so they’re called Zebra Danios.

Platy

Platy is another popular and stunning aquarium fish. They are easy to raise and robust fish that originated in Central America.

Platy comes in various colors, including blue tuxedo, top cell rainbow, golden sunset, red, black, blue, yellow, and the list goes on.

Swordtail

Swordtails, another easy-to-breed livebearer. In the family, Poeciliidae, they are closely related to Molly Fish and Platy Fish. Male Swordtails’ tails appear like swords; thus, telling them apart is easy.

Betta

Betta fish, also known as siamese fighting fish, is one of the most attractive fish, with vivid colors, iridescent scales, and log fins that resemble an underwater ball gown. It’s really tempting to buy them and keep them in a betta tank at home.

Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loaches have a distinctive appearance as well. They have an eel-like body that only develops to 3-5 inches in length. There are 10-15 black vertical lines along their length, with yellow in between. They have four pairs of barbels on their heads that they utilize to find food. Because these are delicate, you’ll need a soft substrate to protect them.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Because of their tranquil disposition and ease of care, White Cloud Mountain Minnows make excellent freshwater aquarium fish for beginners. These are the friendliest freshwater aquarium fish you will ever meet! They’re brightly colored, making them simple to spot in your aquarium.

Cory Catfish

Cory catfish are the ideal starter catfish since they are easy to care for and entertaining. They are bottom-dwellers who will look after you by scavenging in the tank. They enjoy hiding spots, so add some living plants, reefs, and rocks to keep them happy.

Cory Catfish can reach a length of 1 to 2.5 inches. They’re schooling fish who seem to thrive in two or more groups, and they get along with various species.

Additional suggestions: 

I have two more fish in mind, and many people will say they are not for beginners. Yes, I agree with them, but if you are an experienced fish keeper, you can assist your kids in having them. Believe me, your kids will love to have these species.

Oscar

Oscar is a fish with a unique personality that your kids will definitely love! They are one of the smartest fish on the planet. In the aquarium tank, you can easily teach them to perform stunts. They’re witty, resourceful, and brave. 

Oscar fish communicate with humans, which provides aquarium keepers with a unique opportunity. They will approach the aquarium glass to interact with you whenever you pass by their tank. You can feed them by hand. Their demeanor is amusing to observe.

Goldfish

Goldfish are colorful and attractive fish that will keep your children entertained. Goldfish belong to the group of fish kept as pets by people for decades. Man’s relationship with nature’s gorgeous water mammal has remained intact to this day. 

Despite people’s enthusiasm about having this fish as a new pet and the fact that Goldfish is the first fish they buy for many newbie aquarists, the idea of its care remains distorted. Because people mistake this fish for something low-maintenance, it is the polar opposite. They require special attention and care.

For saltwater tanks:

If you decide on a marine tank, I have two fish suggestions for your kids:

Clownfish

Clownfish is a species that kids will remember from the film Finding Nemo, so it’ll probably be one of their favorites. Fortunately, this species is simple to keep at home, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to marine aquariums.

Clownfish are little tropical fish and incredibly appealing. It is well-known for its preference for hiding amid anemones. They are only found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but not in the Atlantic. Clownfish like warmer water and are known as anemonefish because they form bonds with anemones.

Pajama Cardinalfish

This is a weird species with a strange appearance and behavior that draws people in. It’s yet another gentle sea fish that thrives in groups.

The weird patterns are the first thing you’ll notice. They have a yellow head and dorsal/pectoral fins, red polka spots on the back, and a vertical black band in the middle. Then there’s the red-eye.

People are frequently interested in their own actions. However, they spend most of the day hovering near caves and rocks because they are most active at night.

Wrapping Up

We know it can be challenging to choose the right fish tank for your kids. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of several different options, all with their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision!

So, now you can select the best fish tank for kids from my list that I could find. I will keep looking and updating this post as soon as possible if I stumble upon something better. 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below.